The 2026 Rhino Charge Challenge, set for May 30 in Samburu, has secured substantial funding with the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom PLC together providing KES 114 million for conservation and event support.
The M-PESA Foundation, Safaricom’s social impact division, has dedicated KES 94 million to Rhino Ark’s initiatives. This funding will support the protection of Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block), restoration of the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties, and further development of the Mount Kenya Forest Rehabilitation and Protection Project in Tharaka Nithi County.
This investment highlights the Foundation’s ongoing dedication to preserving Kenya’s vital ecosystems and water sources.
Additionally, Safaricom PLC has allocated KES 20 million to support event participation and connectivity. Within this, KES 17 million will sponsor three teams: Car No. 44 led by Adil Khawaja, the EV Explorers team with Richard Kiplagat at the helm, and the all-women Zambarau Heels on the Wheel team led by Agnes Mwangi. The remaining KES 3 million will ensure network connectivity throughout the challenge.
During the cheque presentation at Safaricom Headquarters in Nairobi, CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasized the company’s commitment to incorporating sustainability into its business operations.
“We are honored to contribute KES 114 million through both the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom this year. Sustainability is fundamental to how we generate lasting value for our customers, communities, and the environment. Our backing of the Rhino Charge demonstrates our dedication to tangible conservation initiatives that safeguard Kenya’s natural resources while fostering innovation and resilience,” he stated.
Event connectivity enhancements will feature the implementation of 5G technology to enhance participant and spectator experiences through reliable communication and interaction, demonstrating technology’s potential even in isolated and difficult settings.
According to the sponsorship agreement, Car No. 44 will receive KES 15 million, while both the EV Explorers and Zambarau Heels on the Wheel teams will each be allocated KES 1 million for their participation.
The 37th Rhino Charge event anticipates 55 participants, featuring defending champions Team Huzi (Car No. 33) and Team Zambarau among the competitors.
Elizabeth Wanjiku of Zambarau Heels on the Wheel expressed gratitude for the support, noting it provides significant motivation for the team.
“As Team Zambarau, we appreciate Safaricom’s backing. This is a tremendous encouragement for our all-women team, and we have long desired their sponsorship for this worthwhile initiative. Their dedication bolsters our determination, offering us the means and assurance to perform at our highest level. This assistance not only strengthens our team but also reinforces our collective objective of promoting conservation and safeguarding Kenya’s natural resources through the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust,” she stated.
The previous year’s Rhino Charge event, hosted in Saimo Soi, Baringo County, generated KES 269.5 million for Kenya’s water tower conservation initiatives. Adil Khawaja maintained his position as top fundraiser for the third consecutive year with KES 139.8 million. The second and third positions went to Car No. 23 led by Peter Kinyua with KES 13.5 million and Car No. 63 led by Tim Carstens with KES 8.6 million, respectively.
Richard Kiplagat, leader of the EV Explorers team, indicated that sustained support from Safaricom has inspired their team.
“As a team, we are sincerely thankful for Safaricom’s ongoing support for this event. For the second consecutive year, they have stood behind us, and we value this commitment greatly. As the sole electric vehicle team in the competition, we are highly motivated to not only complete the challenge but also to perform among the top teams, applying insights from last year’s technical difficulties as we advocate for electric mobility and environmental conservation,” he stated.
Safaricom has backed the Rhino Charge for over a decade, assisting in raising more than KES 2.6 billion for conservation programs. These resources have funded electric fencing initiatives in locations such as Mt. Kenya, Aberdares, and Kakamega Forest, alongside broader initiatives to safeguard water resources and natural environments.
Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust has established over 650 kilometers of electric fencing to date, protecting more than 80,000 households from human-wildlife conflicts.
Christian Lambrechts, Executive Director of Rhino Ark, reported that preparations for this year’s event are advancing smoothly.
“This initiative has had a substantial impact on both conservancies and the wider community. Preparations for this year’s Rhino Charge Challenge are well underway, with 65 teams expected to participate in the challenge and fundraising activities in support of environmental conservation and the preservation of Kenya’s critical water resources. I extend my sincere gratitude to all our sponsors, particularly the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom, whose backing has been crucial to this endeavor for more than ten years,” he stated.
The Rhino Charge is an annual off-road 4×4 competition in Kenya that gathers funds for Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust’s conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding the nation’s mountain ecosystems and essential water resources.